U.S. patent application number 15/999322 was filed with the patent office on 2019-02-14 for ballistic protection material and use thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to Blucher GmbH. The applicant listed for this patent is Blucher GmbH. Invention is credited to Hasso VON BLUCHER.
Application Number | 20190049222 15/999322 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58044082 |
Filed Date | 2019-02-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20190049222 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
VON BLUCHER; Hasso |
February 14, 2019 |
BALLISTIC PROTECTION MATERIAL AND USE THEREOF
Abstract
The present invention relates to a protective material,
preferably a ballistic protection material, having a protective
function against ballistic active bodies (launch bodies), in
particular against reinforcement-penetrating and/or armor-piercing
projectiles, thrust bodies or penetrating bodies, and to the use
thereof.
Inventors: |
VON BLUCHER; Hasso;
(Erkrath, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Blucher GmbH |
Erkrath |
|
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
Blucher GmbH
Erkrath
DE
|
Family ID: |
58044082 |
Appl. No.: |
15/999322 |
Filed: |
February 15, 2017 |
PCT Filed: |
February 15, 2017 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2017/053355 |
371 Date: |
August 17, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B32B 7/12 20130101; B32B
2323/043 20130101; B32B 2305/80 20130101; B32B 17/02 20130101; F41H
5/0492 20130101; B32B 2307/3065 20130101; F41H 5/0471 20130101;
B32B 2305/18 20130101; B32B 9/047 20130101; B32B 2305/28 20130101;
B32B 2307/558 20130101; B32B 2571/02 20130101; B32B 2250/05
20130101; B32B 2307/724 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41H 5/04 20060101
F41H005/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 17, 2016 |
DE |
10 2016 001 799.6 |
Jun 14, 2016 |
DE |
10 2016 110 896.0 |
Claims
1-8. (canceled)
9. A ballistic protective outer apparel item comprising at least
one ballistic protective material with a protective function
against ballistic active bodies and with a ballistic contact area,
wherein the protective material comprises at least one
hard-ballistic section assigned to the ballistic contact area or
forming the ballistic contact area, with a protective function
against ballistic active bodies, wherein the hard-ballistic section
has a fragment or ballistic protection value V.sub.50, determined
according to STANAG 2920, of at least 180 m/s, wherein the
hard-ballistic section comprises a multitude of ballistic-resistant
shaped bodies that are at least essentially spherical for at least
one absorbing, deflecting and distributing kinetic energy from
ballistic active bodies, wherein the proportion by volume of the
shaped bodies, based on the total volume of the hard-ballistic
section, is in the range from 20% by volume to 99% by volume,
wherein the shaped bodies and the material of the shaped bodies
each have a Vickers hardness of at least 1200 HV, determined
according to DIN EN ISO 6507, and wherein the shaped bodies, for
formation of a coherent microstructure in the form of a multilayer
composite material, are permanently bonded to one another by means
of at least one of sintering, soldering, welding and binding,
wherein in the case of binding the binding is performed by means of
at least one binder, wherein the binder is selected from the group
consisting of (i) inorganic binders; (ii) organic binders; (iii)
polymer materials; (iv) adhesives; and (v) mixtures or combinations
of the aforementioned materials and wherein the binder in the cured
state is at least partially deformable.
10. The protective outer apparel item as claimed in claim 9,
wherein the ballistic protective outer apparel item is in the form
of a ballistic-resistant protective vest or jacket.
11. The protective outer apparel item as claimed in claim 9,
wherein the hard-ballistic section is in layered form, with two
opposite sides, wherein the ballistics contact area is formed by
one side of the hard-ballistic section.
12. The protective outer apparel item as claimed in claim 9,
wherein the shaped bodies within the hard-ballistic section are
arranged at least essentially adjoining one another or at least
essentially touching one another.
13. The protective outer apparel item as claimed in claim 9,
wherein the shaped bodies are arranged within the hard-ballistic
section such that the volume differential between the total volume
of the hard-ballistic section, on the one hand, and the sum total
of the component volumes occupied by each individual shaped body,
on the other hand, is at least essentially minimized and is less
than 50% by volume
14. The protective outer apparel item as claimed in claim 9,
wherein the proportion by volume of the shaped bodies, based on the
total volume of the hard-ballistic section, is in the range from
30% by volume to 95% by volume.
15. The protective outer apparel item as claimed in claim 9,
wherein the proportion by weight of the shaped bodies, based on the
total weight of the hard-ballistic section, is in the range from
30% by weight to 98% by weight.
16. The protective outer apparel item as claimed in claim 9,
wherein the shaped bodies have at least essentially the same
size.
17. The protective outer apparel item as claimed in claim 9,
wherein the shaped bodies each have a size in the range from 0.1 mm
to 10 cm.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of
protective apparel which has been designed particularly for
military use, but if appropriate also for civil use, and which
specifically has a protective function against ballistic active
bodies (projectile bodies), especially reinforcement-penetrating
and/or armor-piercing projectiles, shear bodies or penetration
bodies.
[0002] More particularly, the present invention relates to a
protective material, preferably a ballistic protective material
with a protective function against ballistic active bodies
(projectile bodies), especially against reinforcement-penetrating
and/or armor-piercing projectiles, shear bodies or penetration
bodies.
[0003] The present invention likewise relates to a protection
element, preferably ballistic protection element, especially with a
protective function against ballistic active bodies (projectile
bodies), especially against reinforcement-penetrating and/or
armor-piercing projectiles, shear bodies or penetration bodies,
preferably in the form of a ballistic protection plate, especially
a ballistic armor component, more preferably a ballistic and/or
ballistic-resistant composite armor plate.
[0004] The present invention further relates to a protective
apparel item, preferably a ballistic protective outer apparel item,
especially in the form of a ballistic and/or ballistic-resistant
protective vest or jacket, preferably with a protective function
against ballistic active bodies (projectiles), especially against
reinforcement-penetrating and/or armor-piercing projectiles, shear
bodies or penetration bodies.
[0005] The present invention likewise relates to a protective
apparel unit, preferably a ballistic protective apparel unit,
preferably with a protective function against ballistic active
bodies (projectile bodies), especially against
reinforcement-penetrating and/or armor-piercing projectiles, shear
bodies or penetration bodies, comprising outer apparel and/or
underwear (inner apparel) and optionally comprising separate head
and/or face protection, neck protection, shoulder protection, arm
protection, hand protection, trunk protection, torso protection,
genital and/or anal protection and/or leg protection.
[0006] The present invention also further relates to the use of a
protective material and/or at least one protection element for
manufacture of all kinds of protective apparel, preferably with a
protective function against ballistic active bodies (projectile
bodies), especially against reinforcement-penetrating and/or
armor-piercing projectiles, shear bodies or penetration bodies.
[0007] The present invention likewise relates to the use of at
least one protective material and/or at least one protection
element, preferably a ballistic protection element in plate form,
especially ballistic armor component, more preferably a ballistic
and/or ballistic-resistant composite armor plate, for endowing
apparel with a protective function against ballistic active bodies
(projectile bodies), especially against reinforcement-penetrating
and/or armor-piercing projectiles, shear bodies or penetration
bodies.
[0008] The present invention additionally relates to the use of at
least one protective material and/or at least one protection
element, preferably a ballistic protection element in plate form,
especially ballistic armor component, more preferably a ballistic
and/or ballistic-resistant composite armor plate, for manufacture
of all kinds of vehicles, especially cars, trucks, utility
vehicles, land vehicles or the like, preferably with a protective
function against ballistic active bodies (projectile bodies),
especially against reinforcement-penetrating and/or armor-piercing
projectiles, shear bodies or penetration bodies.
[0009] The present invention further relates to the use of at least
one protective material and/or at least one protection element,
preferably a ballistic protection element in plate form, especially
ballistic armor component, more preferably a ballistic and/or
ballistic-resistant composite armor plate, for endowing all kinds
of vehicles, especially cars, trucks, utility vehicles, land
vehicles or the like, with a protective function against ballistic
active bodies (projectile bodies), especially against
reinforcement-penetrating and/or armor-piercing projectiles, shear
bodies or penetration bodies.
[0010] The present invention likewise relates to the use of at
least one protective material and/or at least one protection
element, preferably a ballistic protection element in plate form,
especially ballistic armor component, more preferably a ballistic
and/or ballistic-resistant composite armor plate, for manufacture
of all kinds of objects or buildings, preferably with a protective
function against ballistic active bodies (projectile bodies),
especially against reinforcement-penetrating and/or armor-piercing
projectiles, shear bodies or penetration bodies.
[0011] The present invention additionally relates to the use of at
least one protective material and/or at least one protection
element, preferably a ballistic protection element in plate form,
especially ballistic armor component, more preferably a ballistic
and/or ballistic-resistant composite armor plate, for endowing all
kinds of objects or buildings with a protective function against
ballistic active bodies (projectile bodies), especially against
reinforcement-penetrating and/or armor-piercing projectiles, shear
bodies or penetration bodies.
[0012] The present invention likewise relates to all kinds of
vehicles, especially cars, trucks, utility vehicles, land vehicles
or the like, preferably with a protective function against
ballistic active bodies (projectile bodies), especially against
reinforcement-penetrating and/or armor-piercing projectiles, shear
bodies or penetration bodies.
[0013] The present invention likewise relates to objects or
buildings, preferably with a protective function against ballistic
active bodies (projectile bodies), especially against
reinforcement-penetrating and/or armor-piercing projectiles, shear
bodies or penetration bodies.
[0014] The present invention finally relates to a method of
providing protection, preferably of personnel, against ballistic
active bodies (projectile bodies), especially against
reinforcement-penetrating and/or armor-piercing projectiles, shear
bodies or penetration bodies.
[0015] Personnel deployed or present in the military sector and
also in the field of terrorism defense, such as soldiers in
military units, border guards, police officers, security personnel,
but also civilians, by virtue of their deployment, be it in
military combat or peacekeeping operations, anti-terrorist
operations and/or operations for specifically military or terrorism
defense, but also necessarily owing to civil circumstances, are
often confronted with an acute or at least latent risk of direct
bodily harm as caused not only by the use of explosive devices or
stabbing weapons but particularly also by deliberate or
indiscriminate impact of ballistic projectile bodies, especially
bullets, by shooting devices.
[0016] Particular mention should be made in this context of
firearms as portable shooting devices, in the case of which the
ballistic active bodies, especially bullets, are accelerated to
high velocity by an explosive release of energy and hit a person
affected with high kinetic energy, associated with usually
life-threatening, sometimes immediately deadly or lethal, injuries
to the person affected. In this context, firearms, in the context
of aggressive or defensive combat operations, particularly for
achievement of targeted trauma without direct body contact with the
opponent, have become a subtle tool with a high potential for
injury or endangerment.
[0017] In general, the mode of function of the aforementioned
firearms and shooting devices that can be equated thereto is that
the ballistic active bodies are driven out of a barrel of the
firearm at high velocity by hot gases.
[0018] More particularly, the mode of function of firearms is that
chemical blowing agents, for acceleration of the ballistic active
body as energy carrier, when they are activated, aim to achieve a
high volume, associated with the generation of an explosive
increase in gas pressure that acts on the ballistic active body,
such that the ballistic active body is driven through the barrel of
the firearm at high velocity and subsequently moves in a ballistic
flight path in the direction of a target that may or may not have
been identified beforehand.
[0019] Owing to the mode of function of firearms with the explosive
conversion of the chemical energy stored in the blowing agent to
kinetic energy of the active body, the ballistic active bodies or
bullets released by firearms have enormous penetrative power or
impact energy, associated with high penetration (depth)--sometimes
complete penetration--through usually physiologically important
body structures, for example blood vessels, nerve tracts, organs or
the like. The result is almost always serious, often
life-threatening, sometimes immediately deadly or lethal, injuries
to the person affected.
[0020] It can thus be stated that there is a high demand in the
prior art for protection devices, especially wearable protection
devices, with an effective ballistic protection function against
ballistic active bodies, especially bullets released from firearms,
although protective devices of this kind should also have
acceptable wearer comfort, especially with achievement of low
weight coupled with simultaneously high mobility and comfort.
[0021] Against this background, the prior art has followed
different approaches that form a basis on which affected personnel
are to be protected from the deadly effect of ballistic active
bodies through shooting weapons, stabbing weapons or explosive
devices. However, the known approaches do not always lead to the
desired success.
[0022] Thus, one technical approach for achievement of a ballistic
protection function is to use soft-ballistic protection systems in
the form of multilayer mesh or film structures made of a
tear-resistant woven fabric, usually based on aramid fibers. The
kinetic energy of the bullet on impact is partly absorbed here in
that the bullet sets the individual layers in motion in the
direction of entry and additionally brings about extension of the
individual fibers. The bullet itself remains in the mesh structure
and thus leads to deformation of the soft-ballistic protection
system, usually in the form of a bulge formed in the direction of
the body of the carrier. However, a disadvantage of this approach
is that the mesh or film structures based on a tear-resistant woven
fabric do not offer ballistic protection against
reinforcement-penetrating and/or armor-piercing ballistic active
bodies.
[0023] A further technical approach for achievement of a ballistic
protection function is to increase penetration resistance through
use of hard-ballistic protection systems based on protection
elements in plate form made of metal, ceramic or high performance
plastics as an alternative or in addition to the aforementioned
soft-ballistic protection systems. In this case, a majority of the
kinetic energy of the active body on impact is distributed over the
protection element in plate form. Through the use of and
reinforcement by means of hard-ballistic protective systems, it is
possible to achieve a ballistic protective function against
reinforcement-penetrating and/or armor-piercing active bodies.
However, protective systems of this kind are fundamentally
associated with the disadvantage that, because they are in plate
form, they have a high weight and are additionally inflexible or
stiff, associated with low wearer comfort and consequently reduced
wearer acceptance in the long term.
[0024] More particularly, it should be emphasized in this regard
that, specifically in the case of long wearing or use periods in
often tough conditions, appropriate mobility and/or comfort coupled
with simultaneously acceptable wearing weight is an indispensable
or essential requirement criterion on wearable protective devices.
Furthermore, especially under use conditions, individual and/or
flexible and/or situation-related adaptation of the protection
devices to the geometry or shape of different regions to be
protected, especially body regions, is desirable.
[0025] Moreover, the protective systems implemented in the prior
art are often constructed such that momentum induced with the
hitting or striking by the ballistic active body in the form of
what is called "blunt trauma" is passed onto the body of the wearer
in virtually unattenuated form. This can--without the presence of
outward damage or direct contact with the ballistic active
body--likewise lead to life-threatening injuries to internal organs
of the person affected given a sufficiently heavy and fast active
body or projectile.
[0026] In summary, in the prior art, the development of effective
protective devices, especially against the background of
comfortable employability or utility, is problematic and of
relevance. Particularly in the case of hard-ballistic protection
elements or those in plate form, the disadvantages cited above with
regard to high weight coupled with simultaneously restricted
mobility or comfort should be considered in this regard. Moreover,
the problem of flexible or individual adaptation to the shape or
geometry of different regions to be covered or protected,
especially body regions, is taken into account insufficiently at
most.
[0027] DE 10 2010 029 037 B4, for example, relates to a ballistic
protective vest having a hard-ballistic back portion, wherein the
back portion takes the form of a hard-ballistic insert in plate
form. The insert may have been manufactured from a ceramic, a
polymer or a metal. However, the insert in plate form detailed is
associated with the above-described disadvantages, especially with
regard to reduced wearer comfort owing to the heavy or inflexible
form of the insert in plate form.
[0028] Moreover, EP 1 135 663 B1 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,170,378 B1 (a
member of the same patent family) relate to a protective device
with a protective function against ballistic projectiles, wherein a
hard metal plating system composed of titanium sheets has been
secured to an underlayer made of aramid fibers. The layer of the
adhesive-impregnated aramid can be used to encase the hard metal
plating system formed by the sheets. However, the metal elements in
plate form detailed are associated with the above-described
disadvantages with regard to elevated weight and restricted
mobility or comfort. Moreover, each of the titanium sheets
described is individually subjected to working with removal of
material, which is associated with comparatively high production
costs or manufacturing costs.
[0029] In summary, it can thus be stated that the ballistic
protection devices known in the prior art that are based on
soft-ballistic and/or hard-ballistic protection systems have
significant drawbacks with regard to their wearer comfort and their
ballistic protective function, and so wearer acceptance is impaired
in the long term. More particularly, the prior art focuses on
hard-ballistic protective systems on the one hand, which--as set
out above--are disadvantageous with regard to appropriate wearer
comfort and situation-related or individual adaptability to the
geometry of regions to be protected, or on partially flexible
soft-ballistic protective systems on the other hand, but these do
not have ballistic protection against reinforcement-penetrating or
armor-piercing ballistic active bodies.
[0030] Against this background, therefore, it is an object of the
present invention to provide a protective material having ballistic
protective function, which is capable of at least substantially
avoiding or else at least attenuating the disadvantages of the
prior art as outlined above.
[0031] More particularly, it is an object of the present invention
to provide a protective material which, by comparison with the
prior art--at least with maintenance and preferably improvement of
the ballistic protective function--has reduced weight coupled with
simultaneously improved mobility or wearer comfort, associated with
high wearer acceptance, especially over long periods of use. More
particularly, the protective material of the invention is
additionally to be configurable or adaptable individually,
preferably under use conditions, to the shape and/or outline of
regions to be covered or protected, especially body regions.
[0032] In this connection, a particular aim of the present
invention is an improvement in hard-ballistic protection systems
with a protective function against reinforcement-penetrating and/or
armor-piercing ballistic active bodies with high impact energy or
penetration force, as released, for example, from long guns having
high firing power and/or from a short distance. Blunt trauma
resulting from the momentum introduced by the impact of the
ballistic active body is also to be counteracted in accordance with
the invention.
[0033] In this regard, it should additionally be mentioned that the
use of hard-ballistic protection systems, for construction-related
reasons, automatically implies stab protection against stabbing
weapons such as knives or needles. Consequently, the protective
material of the invention is assumed to have such a protective
function without any requirement for further supplementary
elucidation.
[0034] To achieve the object outlined above, the present invention
thus proposes--in a first aspect of the present invention--a
protective material, preferably ballistic protective material with
a protective function against ballistic active bodies, especially
against reinforcement-penetrating and/or armor-piercing
projectiles, shear bodies or penetration bodies, as claimed in
claim 1.
[0035] The present invention further provides--in a second aspect
of the present invention--a protection element, preferably
ballistic protection element, especially with a protective function
against ballistic active bodies (projectile bodies), especially
against reinforcement-penetrating and/or armor-piercing
projectiles, shear bodies or penetration bodies, as claimed in the
corresponding claims.
[0036] The present invention further provides--in a third aspect of
the present invention--a protective apparel unit, preferably a
ballistic protective apparel unit, preferably with a protective
function against ballistic active bodies (projectile bodies),
especially against reinforcement-penetrating and/or armor-piercing
projectiles, shear bodies or penetration bodies, comprising outer
apparel and/or inner apparel and optionally comprising separate
head and/or face protection, neck protection, shoulder protection,
arm protection, hand protection, trunk protection, torso
protection, genital and/or anal protection and/or leg protection,
as claimed in the corresponding claims.
[0037] The present invention still further provides--in a fourth
aspect of the present invention--for the use of a protective
material and/or protection element for manufacture of protective
apparel, preferably with a protective function against ballistic
active bodies, especially against reinforcement-penetrating and/or
armor-piercing projectiles, shear bodies or penetration bodies, as
claimed in the corresponding independent use claim.
[0038] The present invention still further provides--in a fifth
aspect of the present invention--for the use of at least one
protective material and/or protection element, preferably a
ballistic protection element in plate form, especially ballistic
armor component, more preferably a ballistic and/or
ballistic-resistant composite armor plate, for endowing apparel
with a protective function against ballistic active bodies
(projectile bodies), especially against reinforcement-penetrating
and/or armor-piercing projectiles, shear bodies or penetration
bodies, as claimed in the corresponding independent use claim.
[0039] The present invention still further provides--in a sixth
aspect of the present invention--for the use of at least one
protective material and/or at least one protection element,
preferably a ballistic protection element in plate form, especially
ballistic armor component, more preferably a ballistic and/or
ballistic-resistant composite armor plate, for manufacture of all
kinds of vehicles, especially cars, trucks, utility vehicles, land
vehicles or the like, preferably with a protective function against
ballistic active bodies (projectile bodies), especially against
reinforcement-penetrating and/or armor-piercing projectiles, shear
bodies or penetration bodies, as claimed in the corresponding
independent use claim.
[0040] The present invention still further provides--in a seventh
aspect of the present invention--for the use of at least one
protective material and/or at least one protection element,
preferably a ballistic protection element in plate form, especially
ballistic armor component, more preferably a ballistic and/or
ballistic-resistant composite armor plate, for endowing all kinds
of vehicles, especially cars, trucks, utility vehicles, land
vehicles or the like, with a protective function against ballistic
active bodies (projectile bodies), especially against
reinforcement-penetrating and/or armor-piercing projectiles, shear
bodies or penetration bodies, as claimed in the corresponding
independent use claim.
[0041] The present invention still further provides--in an eighth
aspect of the present invention--for the use of at least one
protective material and/or at least one protection element,
preferably a ballistic protection element in plate form, especially
ballistic armor component, more preferably a ballistic and/or
ballistic-resistant composite armor plate, for manufacture of all
kinds of objects or buildings, preferably with a protective
function against ballistic active bodies (projectile bodies),
especially against reinforcement-penetrating and/or armor-piercing
projectiles, shear bodies or penetration bodies, as claimed in the
corresponding independent use claim.
[0042] The present invention still further provides--in a ninth
aspect of the present invention--for the use of at least one
protective material and/or at least one protection element,
preferably a ballistic protection element in plate form, especially
ballistic armor component, more preferably a ballistic and/or
ballistic-resistant composite armor plate, for endowing all kinds
of objects or buildings with a protective function against
ballistic active bodies (projectile bodies), especially against
reinforcement-penetrating and/or armor-piercing projectiles, shear
bodies or penetration bodies, as claimed in the corresponding
independent use claim.
[0043] The present invention still further provides--in a tenth
aspect of the present invention--all kinds of vehicles, especially
cars, trucks, utility vehicles, land vehicles or the like,
preferably with a protective function against ballistic active
bodies (projectile bodies), especially against
reinforcement-penetrating and/or armor-piercing projectiles, shear
bodies or penetration bodies, as claimed in the corresponding
independent claim.
[0044] The present invention still further provides--in an eleventh
aspect of the present invention--objects or buildings, preferably
with a protective function against ballistic active bodies
(projectile bodies), especially against reinforcement-penetrating
and/or armor-piercing projectiles, shear bodies or penetration
bodies, as claimed in the corresponding independent claim.
[0045] The present invention finally further provides--in a twelfth
aspect of the present invention--a method of providing protection,
preferably of personnel, against ballistic active bodies
(projectile bodies), especially against reinforcement-penetrating
and/or armor-piercing projectiles, shear bodies or penetration
bodies, as claimed in the corresponding independent method
claim.
[0046] It will be apparent that, in the description of the present
invention which follows, those configurations, embodiments,
advantages, examples or the like which--for the purpose of
avoidance of unnecessary repetition--are set out hereinafter only
for an individual aspect of the invention are of course
correspondingly applicable in relation to the other aspects of the
invention without requiring any explicit mention.
[0047] It will further be apparent that, in statements of values,
numbers and ranges hereinafter, the stated values, numbers and
ranges in this regard are not to be understood in a restrictive
manner; it will be automatically apparent to the person skilled in
the art that, depending on the individual case or based on the
application, it is possible to depart from the ranges or figures
given without having left the scope of the present invention.
[0048] Moreover, all the values or parameters or the like that are
stated hereinafter can in principle be ascertained or determined by
normalized or standardized or explicitly specified determination
methods or else, otherwise, by methods of determination or
measurement that are familiar per se to the person skilled in the
art in this field. Unless stated otherwise, the underlying values
or parameters are ascertained under standard conditions (i.e., more
particularly, at a temperature of 20.degree. C. and/or at a
pressure of 1013.25 hPa or 1.01325 bar).
[0049] Otherwise, for all the statements of amount in relative or
percentage terms that are given hereinafter, especially based on
weight, it should be noted that these figures, in the context of
the present invention, should be selected or combined by the person
skilled in the art so as to result in a sum total--if appropriate
taking account of further components or ingredients, especially as
defined hereinafter--always of 100% or 100% by weight. However,
this will be automatically apparent to the person skilled in the
art.
[0050] Having said that, the present invention is described and
elucidated in detail hereinafter, specifically also with reference
to drawings or figure representations that represent embodiments of
the invention and working examples.
[0051] In connection with the elucidation of these preferred
embodiments and working examples of the present invention, although
these are in no way restrictive in relation to the present
invention, further advantages, properties and features of the
present invention are also indicated.
[0052] Having said that, the present invention is described further
and in detail hereinafter.
[0053] The present invention thus provides--in one aspect of the
invention--a protective material, preferably ballistic protective
material, with a protective function against ballistic active
bodies (projectile bodies), especially against
reinforcement-penetrating and/or armor-piercing projectiles, shear
bodies or penetration bodies, especially having a ballistics
contact area,
[0054] wherein the protective material has at least one
hard-ballistic section assigned especially to the ballistics
contact area and/or forming the ballistics contact area, especially
with a protective function against ballistic active bodies
(projectile bodies), especially against reinforcement-penetrating
and/or armor-piercing projectiles, shear bodies or penetration
bodies,
[0055] wherein the hard-ballistic section has or is at least
essentially formed from or consists of a multitude of ballistic
and/or ballistic-resistant shaped bodies that are preferably at
least essentially spherical, preferably shaped armor bodies,
especially for absorbing and/or deflecting and/or distributing
kinetic energy from ballistic active bodies (projectile bodies),
especially reinforcement-penetrating and/or armor-piercing
projectiles, shear bodies or penetration bodies.
[0056] The term "active bodies" as used in a generic manner in the
context of the present invention should preferably be understood in
a broad sense and especially encompasses solid bodies that are
fired from a firearm and move forward on a ballistic trajectory
(projectile pathway) without intrinsic energy or steering.
Moreover, the above term also encompasses ballistic particles or
fragments released by detonation or explosion, especially in the
form of splinters, which can stem from corresponding conventional
or unconventional explosive devices or the like.
[0057] The term "ballistic contact area" as used in the context of
the present invention is understood to mean a region, especially a
surface region, of the protective material, especially of the
hard-ballistic section, which, in the wearable state or usable
state (use state), is subject to, in particular, direct contact
with the active bodies and/or is assigned to a region to be
protected, especially body region.
[0058] Moreover, the term "hard-ballistic section" in the context
of the present invention is understood to mean a portion of the
protective material, especially a layer of the protective material,
which is exposed to direct contact of ballistic active bodies as a
penetration-resistant protective system. In other words, the
hard-ballistic section forms resistance against penetration of the
active body and thus is crucial in determining the ballistic
protective function achieved by the protective material.
[0059] The term "shaped body" as used in the context of the present
invention is preferably understood to mean an armor element,
especially armor component, which is assigned to the hard-ballistic
section and includes or forms the ballistic contact area.
Consequently, the shaped body in the context of the present
invention is subject to direct contact with the active bodies and
especially designed to absorb and/or deflect and/or distribute the
kinetic energy from the ballistic active bodies. More particularly,
the hitting or striking active body--especially with plastic
deformation of the shaped body--is deflected and/or divided into
individual fragments by the shaped body.
[0060] According to the invention, the hard-ballistic section is
thus formed using a multitude of at least essentially spherical
shaped bodies, wherein the at least essentially spherical form of
the shaped bodies and the arrangement thereof relative to one
another is automatically associated with the formation of cavities
or empty volumes within the hard-ballistic section and
consequently--especially by comparison with hard-ballistic
protective systems in monolithic or one-piece form (especially
plate-based)--is associated with a reduction in the (material)
density and hence in the weight of the protective material,
especially of the hard-ballistic section.
[0061] The conception of the invention leads to a significant
reduction in the weight of the protective material, such that based
on the conception of the invention, an extremely user-friendly
protective material overall is provided, wherein--as set out in
detail hereinafter--the ballistic protective function of the
protective material of the invention is at least essentially
maintained or particularly even improved over conventional
protection elements, especially in plate form.
[0062] Moreover, the concept of the invention achieves a
weight-saving and simultaneously effective ballistic protective
function. In other words, this means that the protective material
of the invention, given the same thickness and/or reduced starting
weight, enables either an equivalent or even improved ballistic
protective function and/or (at the same level of threat) a
significant reduction in weight of the protective material.
[0063] Furthermore, the concept of the invention, by virtue of the
controlled dimensions and/or number of shaped bodies used, enables
individual or situation-related adaptation of the ballistic
protective function to the level of threat to be expected and/or
the outline and/or the shape of the region to be covered or to be
protected, especially body region. This enables universal
applicability with simultaneous optimization or inexpensive
production of the protective material of the invention.
[0064] Moreover, the protective material of the invention also has
the feature of improved mobility since the formation of cavities or
empty volumes within the hard-ballistic section achieves at least
partial deformability, especially flexibility, of the protective
material. In this connection, the concept of the invention further
permits, in the usable state and/or wearable state (use state),
controlled adaptation of the protective material to the shape or
geometry of regions to be protected and/or to be covered,
especially body regions.
[0065] In addition, an active body hitting the shaped body, owing
to the at least essentially spherical form of the shaped bodies, is
deflected, such that the impact force emanating from the active
body is distributed over a greater impact area. This leads to a
further improvement in the penetration characteristics of the
protective material of the invention, which means, in other words,
that, given the same thickness or a reduced starting weight, either
retention or even an increase in the ballistic protective function
and/or, at a lower level of threat, a reduction in weight of the
protective material of the invention is enabled.
[0066] Moreover, the multitude of separate shaped bodies enables
distribution, especially structured distribution, of the kinetic
energy introduced by the active body, such that--especially against
the background of multiple hits--the protective material of the
invention enables a ballistic protective function with long-term
robustness.
[0067] Furthermore, the cavities or empty volumes enclosed between
the shaped bodies, as material interruptions, counteract the spread
of cracks within the hard-ballistic section, which overall assures
robust long-term use--especially with provision of long-term
dimensional stability or functionality--of the protective material
of the invention.
[0068] Another feature of the protective material of the invention
is excellent water vapor permeability or breathability, which, more
particularly, is significantly improved compared to prior art
protective materials in the form of solid plates.
[0069] Thus, the protective material of the invention ultimately
combines, by virtue of the specific geometric form of a multitude
of ballistic-resistant shaped bodies, reliable ballistic
protection--especially against reinforcement-penetrating and/or
armor-piercing active bodies--and optimized wearer comfort or
prolonged high wearer acceptance with simultaneously
resource-conserving production and flexible adaptation capacity,
which leads overall to a high-performance ballistic protective
material with improved application and production properties,
reduced intrinsic weight and elevated wearer comfort, especially
also improved breathability or water vapor permeability.
[0070] In this regard, it should additionally be mentioned that, in
the context of the preferably hard-ballistic protective function,
for construction-related reasons, stab protection against stabbing
weapons such as knives or needles is likewise implicit.
Consequently, in the context of the present invention, such a
protective function is given or is assumed without additional
remarks in this regard.
[0071] It will be apparent that, in the description of the present
invention which follows, those configurations, embodiments,
advantages, examples or the like which--for the purpose of
avoidance of unnecessary repetition--are set out hereinafter only
for an individual aspect of the invention are of course also
correspondingly applicable in relation to the other aspects of the
invention without requiring any explicit mention.
[0072] It will further be apparent that, in statements of values,
numbers and ranges hereinafter, the stated values, numbers and
ranges in this regard are not to be understood in a restrictive
manner; it will be automatically apparent to the person skilled in
the art that depending on the individual case or based on the
application, it is possible to depart from the ranges or figures
given without having left the scope of the present invention.
[0073] Moreover, all the values or parameters or the like that are
stated hereinafter can in principle be ascertained or determined by
normalized or standardized or explicitly specified determination
methods or else, otherwise, by methods of determination or
measurement that are familiar per se to the person skilled in the
art in this field. Unless stated otherwise, the underlying values
or parameters are ascertained under standard conditions (i.e., more
particularly, at a temperature of 20.degree. C. and/or at a
pressure of 1013.25 hectopascal or 1.01325 bar).
[0074] Otherwise, for all the statements of amount in relevant or
percentage terms that are given hereinafter, especially based on
weight, it should be noted that these figures, in the context of
the present invention, should be selected or combined by the person
skilled in the art so as to result in a sum total--if appropriate
taking account of further components or ingredients, especially as
defined hereinafter--always of 100% or 100% by weight. However,
this will be automatically apparent to the person skilled in the
art.
[0075] Having said that, the present invention is described and
elucidated in detail hereinafter, also with reference to drawings
or figure representations that represent preferred embodiments and
working examples.
[0076] The figure representations show:
[0077] FIG. 1A a schematic cross-sectional diagram of the
construction of a protective material of the invention in one
embodiment of the invention with one hard-ballistic section;
[0078] FIG. 1B a schematic cross-sectional diagram of the
construction of a protective material of the invention in an
alternative embodiment of the invention with multiple
hard-ballistic sections;
[0079] FIG. 2 a schematic perspective view of a protective apparel
item of the invention in the form of a ballistic protective vest
comprising protection elements of the invention, wherein the
protection elements of the invention are assigned to different body
regions in the wearable state and/or cover different body regions
in the wearable state; and
[0080] FIG. 3 a schematic front plan view of a protective apparel
unit of the invention comprising protection elements of the
invention, wherein the protection elements of the invention are
assigned to different body regions in the wearable state and/or
cover different body regions in the wearable state.
[0081] FIGS. 1A and 1B each show a schematic cross-sectional
diagram of the construction of a protective material 1 of the
invention, preferably ballistic protective material with a
protective function against ballistic active bodies (projectile
bodies), especially against reinforcement-penetrating and/or
armor-piercing projectiles, shear bodies or penetration bodies. The
protective material 1 of the invention has at least one
hard-ballistic section 2, especially with a protective function
against ballistic active bodies (projectile bodies), especially
against reinforcement-penetrating and/or armor-piercing
projectiles, shear bodies or penetration bodies.
[0082] In this connection, it is possible in accordance with the
invention to vary the number of hard-ballistic sections 2 within
the protective material 1. Thus, FIG. 1A shows the protective
material 1 of the invention with one hard-ballistic section 2, and
FIG. 1B the protective material 1 of the invention with two
hard-ballistic sections 2. According to the invention, this
hard-ballistic section 2 comprises a multitude of at least
essentially spherical shaped bodies 3, preferably shaped armor
bodies, especially for absorbing and/or deflecting and/or
distributing kinetic energy from the ballistic active bodies,
especially reinforcement-penetrating and/or armor-piercing
projectiles, shear bodies or penetration bodies.
[0083] As can additionally be inferred from FIGS. 1A and 1B, the
protective material 1 has a ballistic contact area B. The ballistic
contact area B is preferably assigned to the hard-ballistic section
2. More particularly, the ballistic contact area B is formed by the
hard-ballistic section 2. In this connection, it is advantageous
when the ballistic contact area B in the usable state (use state)
and/or wearable state is subjected to preferably direct contact
with the ballistic active bodies (projectile body), especially in
the form of hitting and/or striking and/or penetrating. Moreover,
it is advantageous in accordance with the invention when the
ballistic contact area B in the usable state (use state) and/or
wearable state is assigned to a region to be protected, especially
body region, and/or when the ballistic contact area B in the usable
state (use state) and/or wearable state covers a region to be
protected, especially body region.
[0084] In this connection, the situation in the context of the
present invention is especially such that the hard-ballistic
section 2 is in layered, preferably two-dimensional form,
especially with two opposite sides, such that the ballistic contact
area B is formed by one side of the hard-ballistic section 2.
[0085] With regard to the arrangement or positioning of the shaped
bodies 3, it may be the case in accordance with the invention that
the shaped bodies 3 are arranged regularly or irregularly within
the hard-ballistic section 2.
[0086] The term "regularly" as used in accordance with the
invention with regard to the arrangement of the shaped bodies 3
within the hard-ballistic section 2 should especially be understood
such that the shaped bodies 3 are arranged relative to one another
within the hard-ballistic section 2 in the form of a homogeneous,
three-dimensional pattern.
[0087] As shown in schematic form in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the shaped
bodies 3 within the hard-ballistic section 2 may be arranged at
least essentially adjoining one another and/or at least essentially
touching one another.
[0088] In that context, the terms "adjoining one another" and/or
"touching one another" as used in the context of the present
invention refer not just to direct or immediate contact of the
shaped bodies 3 with one another. In addition, the aforementioned
terms also include non-immediate or indirect connection, for
example owing to a binder between the respective contact regions of
the shaped bodies 3.
[0089] By virtue of the multitude of shaped bodies 3 being arranged
adjoining one another and/or touching one another within the
hard-ballistic section 2--without wishing to be restricted to this
theory--effective distribution and/or onward conduction and/or
division of the kinetic energy and/or incident force introduced by
the active body is achieved via the multitude of shaped bodies 3.
By virtue of the distribution or division of the kinetic energy
and/or impact force owing to striking and/or penetrating of the
ballistic active body over the multitude of shaped bodies 3, local
stress peaks within the hard-ballistic section 2 are effectively
degraded or conducted onward, which results overall in improvement
in the stability of the protective material 1--especially with
regard to local exceedance of the cracking stress, associated with
splintering or detachment of fragments from the individual shaped
bodies 3.
[0090] It may additionally be the case in accordance with the
invention that the shaped bodies 3 are arranged one on top of
another in layers within the hard-ballistic section 2, especially
in layered or stacked form.
[0091] In this connection, it is advantageous in accordance with
the invention when every upper layer of shaped bodies 3 is
supported by the lower layer of shaped bodies 3. More particularly,
for this purpose, the shaped bodies 3 that have been arranged one
on top of another in layers and/or stacked partly intermesh with
one another, such that the shaped bodies 3 that have been arranged
one on top of another in layers and/or stacked are held and/or
mounted relative to one another, especially in radial
direction.
[0092] It is likewise advantageous in accordance with the invention
when the shaped bodies 3 have at least essentially the same size,
preferably at least essentially the same diameter. More
particularly, it is advantageous in this connection in accordance
with the invention when the spherical shaped bodies 3 are in
contact with one another over their greatest diameters in the
longitudinal extent and in the widthwise extent. This achieves a
homogeneous compressive stress distribution across the
hard-ballistic section 2 over a multitude of spherical shaped
bodies 3 having the same diameter, which further minimizes the
occurrence of local stress peaks, associated with local material
failure.
[0093] More particularly, the multitude of shaped bodies 3 are
arranged relative to one another with maximum density within the
hard-ballistic section 2.
[0094] In this regard, the situation in accordance with the
invention is especially that the shaped bodies 3 are arranged
within the hard-ballistic section 2 such that the volume
differential between the total volume of the hard-ballistic section
2 on the one hand and the sum total of the component volumes
occupied by each individual shaped body 3 on the other hand is at
least essentially minimized. It is preferable in accordance with
the invention when the aforementioned volume differential is less
than 50% by volume, preferably less than 40% by volume, more
preferably less than 35% by volume, especially preferably less than
30% by volume, of the total volume of the hard-ballistic section 2.
By virtue of the total volume available within the hard-ballistic
section 2 being occupied essentially by the multitude of shaped
bodies 3 with ballistic protective function, the protective
function of the protective material 1 against the ballistic active
bodies is improved overall. Furthermore, a particularly stable or
robust arrangement, especially stacking, of the shaped bodies 3 is
enabled within the hard-ballistic section 2 with minimization of
the cavities or empty volumes formed between the shaped bodies
3.
[0095] With regard to the proportion by volume of the shaped bodies
3, based on the total volume of the hard-ballistic section 2, it is
preferable in accordance with the invention when the proportion by
volume of the shaped bodies 3 is in the range from 20% by volume to
99% by volume, preferably in the range from 30% by volume to 95% by
volume, more preferably in the range from 40% by volume to 90% by
volume, even more preferably in the range from 50% by volume to 85%
by volume, further preferably still in the range from 60% by volume
to 80% by volume.
[0096] In the context of the present invention, it may additionally
be the case that the proportion by weight of the shaped bodies 3,
based on the total weight of the hard-ballistic section 2, is in
the range from 20% by weight to 99% by weight, preferably in the
range from 30% by weight to 98% by weight, more preferably in the
range from 40% by weight to 97% by weight, even more preferably in
the range from 50% by weight to 96% by weight, further preferably
still in the range from 60% by weight to 95% by weight. By virtue
of the majority of the total weight of the hard-ballistic section 2
being formed by the multitude of the at least essentially spherical
shaped bodies 3 with ballistic protective function, the protective
effect of the protective material 1 against ballistic active bodies
is further optimized.
[0097] With regard to the shaped bodies 3, moreover, the size
thereof, especially the diameter thereof, can vary within wide
ranges. However, it has been found to be useful when the size,
especially the diameter, of the shaped bodies 3 is in the range
from 0.1 mm to 10 cm, preferably in the range from 0.5 mm to S cm,
more preferably in the range from 1 mm to 4 cm, even more
preferably in the range from 2 mm to 3 cm, more preferably still in
the range from 5 mm to 2 cm. The above figures should preferably be
regarded as the average diameter of the shaped bodies 3,
determined, for example and in a non-restrictive manner, by
standard methods such as laser diffraction or sieve analysis, which
is well-known to the person skilled in the art.
[0098] Moreover, according to the conception of the invention, it
may be the case that the shaped bodies 3 have been manufactured
from a ballistic-resistant hard material, especially from a hard
material resistant and/or impenetrable and/or penetration-resistant
to ballistic active bodies (projectile bodies).
[0099] The term "ballistic-resistant" as used in accordance with
the invention should be understood in a broad sense and relates
more particularly to the propensity of a material to counteract an
impact force or penetration force of an especially ballistic active
body, and in this way to prevent penetration or puncturing of the
active body. In this connection, the material of the shaped body 3
is at least partially, preferably plastically, deformable, in which
case at least partial destruction, for example in the form of
detachment of splinters or fragments owing to the impact or
striking of the active body is also possible.
[0100] In this connection, in accordance with the invention, the
shaped bodies 3 have especially been manufactured from a hard
material selected from the group of (i) polymer materials,
preferably polyolefins such as polyethylenes or polypropylenes,
especially impact-resistant and/or metal- or fiber-reinforced
polymer materials, more preferably Ultra High Molecular Weight
Polyolefins (UHMW-PO); (ii) metallic materials, especially steel;
(iii) ceramic materials; (iv) inorganic, especially (semi)metallic
carbides, nitrides, silicides and oxides, especially aluminum
oxides, beryllium oxides, silicon oxides, silicon carbides, silicon
nitrides, boron carbides and boron nitrides; and (v) mixtures or
combinations of the aforementioned materials.
[0101] In the context of the present invention, it has especially
been found to be advantageous when the shaped bodies (3) have
especially been manufactured from a hard material selected from the
group of (i) metallic materials, especially steel; (ii) ceramic
materials; (iii) inorganic, especially (semi)metallic carbides,
nitrides, silicides and oxides, especially aluminum oxides,
beryllium oxides, silicon oxides, silicon carbides, silicon
nitrides, boron carbides and boron nitrides; and (iv) mixtures or
combinations of the aforementioned materials.
[0102] With regard to the hardness of the shaped bodies 3 and/or
the material of the shaped bodies 3, this can vary within wide
ranges depending on the degree of the level of threat to be
expected. However, it has been found to be advantageous that the
shaped bodies 3 have and/or the material of the shaped bodies 3 has
a Vickers hardness of at least 1200 HV, preferably at least 1600
HV, especially of at least 1800 HV, even more preferably of at
least 2000 HV, especially determined according to DIN EN ISO 6507,
and/or in that the shaped bodies 3 have and/or the material of the
shaped bodies 3 has a Vickers hardness in the range from 1200 HV to
10 000 HV, preferably in the range from 1600 HV to 9000 HV,
especially in the range from 1800 HV to 8000 HV, even more
preferably in the range from 2000 HV to 6000 HV, especially
determined according to DIN EN ISO 6507.
[0103] The hardness values reported in accordance with the
invention, determined after Vickers according to DIN EN ISO 6507,
are based here especially on a procedure in the macro range at a
test force in the range from 49.03 N to 980.7 N, a contact time in
the range from 10 s to 15 s and a test temperature in the range
from 10.degree. C. to 35.degree. C.
[0104] As described above, it has been found to be advantageous in
the context of the present invention when the shaped bodies 3 have
especially been manufactured from a ballistic-resistant material,
preferably hard material, especially from a material resistant
and/or impenetrable and/or penetration-inhibiting to ballistic
active bodies (projectile bodies), preferably hard material
especially as described above. In a particular embodiment, the
shaped bodies 3 here may be formed from or consist of solid
material, especially in the form of solid spheres. In an
alternative particular embodiment, the shaped bodies 3 here may
alternatively take the form of (shaped) hollow bodies, especially
in the form of hollow spheres; this can bring about a significant
weight saving (for example by 20% to 30% compared to the solid
material). In another alternative particular embodiment, however,
the shaped bodies 3 may also be formed from entangled and/or
aggregated threads or (mono)filaments, especially textile threads,
preferably metal or polymer material threads or (mono)filaments (in
which case the polymer materials used may be the materials
mentioned hereinafter, such as, more particularly, aramids,
high-performance polyolefins, for example HPPEs or UHMW-PEs,
high-performance polyesters, etc.); in this embodiment, it is also
possible to bring about a significant weight saving compared to the
solid material.
[0105] In a preferred embodiment, the shaped bodies (3) are bonded
to one another, especially permanently and/or cohesively bonded to
one another, especially by means of at least one binder and/or by
means of sintering, soldering, welding or the like.
[0106] The term "binder" as used in the context of the present
invention preferably describes a material by which solids are
bonded to one another or bonded on a substrate, especially
adhesive-bonded. Binders are preferably usually added in liquid
form to the solid material to be bound.
[0107] With regard to the bonding of the shaped bodies 3 to one
another, it may be the case in accordance with the invention that
the shaped bodies 3--especially for formation of the hard-ballistic
section 2--are bonded to one another, especially bonded to one
another permanently and/or cohesively, especially by means of
sintering, soldering welding or the like.
[0108] It may likewise be the case in this connection, in
accordance with the invention, that the shaped bodies 3 are bonded
to one another by means of at least one binder to form the
hard-ballistic section 2.
[0109] More particularly, the situation in the context of the
present invention is such that the shaped bodies 3, for formation
of a coherent, especially structured microstructure, especially of
a preferably multilayer and/or multicomponent composite material,
are bonded to one another, especially in a form-fitting or
permanent and/or cohesive manner, preferably by means of the binder
and/or by means of sintering soldering welding or the like.
[0110] More particularly, it is preferable in the context of the
present invention when the binder is selected from the group of
inorganic binders, especially mineral, hydraulic, nonhydraulic,
hard-metallic carbide or ceramic binders, especially based on
cement, clays and aluminas, waterglass or silicates. In addition,
however, it is also possible to use organic binders, especially
synthetic resin dispersions or two-component reactive resins. In
addition, it is likewise possible to select the binder from the
group of polymer materials, preferably polysulfides, polyurethane,
epoxides, silicone and/or silane-terminated polymers. In addition,
it is likewise possible to use adhesives, preferably organic-based
and/or polymer-based adhesives, especially hotmelt adhesives,
preferably reactive hotmelt adhesives, as binder of the invention.
In addition, mixtures or combinations of the aforementioned groups
or materials are also possible for formation of the binder.
[0111] More particularly, the binder in the cured state is in at
least partially deformable form, preferably in at least partially
elastic and/or reversibly deformable and/or partially flexible
form. In the usable state (use state) and/or wearable state, this
permits preferably elastic, relative movement of the shaped bodies
3 bonded to one another by means of a binder.
[0112] According to the invention, it has additionally been found
to be advantageous when the protective material 1, in addition to
the hard-ballistic section 2, has at least one soft-ballistic
section 4, and/or the protective material 1 also has at least one
soft-ballistic section 4.
[0113] The term "soft-ballistic section" as used in the context of
the present invention especially relates to an at least partly
flexible ballistic protective system based on a preferably meshlike
or weavelike structure. The soft-ballistic section 4, by comparison
with the hard-ballistic section 2, has a certain extensibility,
which brings about energy absorption or adsorption of the
projectile energy or kinetic energy introduced by the active body.
More particularly, the ballistic protective function of the
soft-ballistic section 4 is reduced compared to the hard-ballistic
section 2 in that the soft-ballistic section 4 does not have
effective ballistic protection against reinforcement-penetrating or
armor-piercing active bodies.
[0114] The specific inventive combination of at least one
hard-ballistic section 2 and a soft-ballistic section 4 improves
the ballistic protective function of the protective material 1
overall, especially wherein the partially extensible soft-ballistic
section 4, in addition to the protective function of the
hard-ballistic section 2, enables an improvement in the
shock-absorbing propensity of the protective material 1 overall,
especially with regard to a reduction in the blunt trauma that acts
on the wearer.
[0115] More particularly, the situation in the context of the
present invention is such that the soft-ballistic section 4
preferably has a layered, preferably two-dimensional construction,
especially with two opposite sides, wherein the soft-ballistic
section 4 is arranged in the protective material 1 and/or relative
to the hard-ballistic section 2 such that, in the usable state (use
state) and/or wearable state, the soft-ballistic section 4 is not
subject to any direct contact with ballistic active bodies and/or
such that preferably exclusively the hard-ballistic section 2,
especially one side of the hard-ballistic section 2, is subject to
direct contact of ballistic active bodies (projectile bodies),
especially in the form of hitting and/or striking and/or
penetration. In other words, the soft-ballistic section 4 in the
usable state (use state) and/or wearable state is subject at most
to indirect contact of ballistic active bodies, especially in the
form of fragments of the active body and/or splinters or fragments
detached from the shaped body 3 as a result of the impact of the
active body. More particularly, the soft-ballistic section 5 thus
forms effective splinter protection against splinters or fragments
detached from the active bodies and/or shaped bodies 3, with
reduced impact energy or penetration force--especially compared to
the reinforcement-penetrating and/or armor-piercing active
bodies.
[0116] In this connection, the hard-ballistic section 2 and the
soft-ballistic section 4 may be loosely stacked one on top of
another. According to the invention, however, it is advantageous
when the soft-ballistic section 4 is bonded, especially permanently
bonded, to the hard-ballistic section 2, preferably by adhesive
bonding stapling, stitching or the like.
[0117] According to the invention, it is additionally advantageous
when the soft-ballistic section 4 is manufactured from a polymer
material, especially selected from the group of aramids or
high-performance polyolefins, especially ultrahigh-molecular weight
polyethylenes. With regard to the formation of the soft-ballistic
section 4, it is preferable in accordance with the invention when
the soft-ballistic section 4 takes the form of a preferably textile
fabric or of a preferably textile two-dimensional (sheetlike)
material, especially in the form of a weave, loop-formed knit,
loop-drawn knit, scrim, web or nonwoven, as illustrated in
schematic form in the section diagrams of FIGS. 1A and 1B.
[0118] It is likewise the case in accordance with the invention
that the soft-ballistic section 4 comprises or consists of fibers
and/or yarns based on polymer materials, especially selected from
the group of aramids or polybenzazoles or high-performance
polyolefins, especially high-performance polyethylenes, especially
ultrahigh-molecular weight polyethylenes. Moreover, it is also
possible to use high-performance polyesters (high-strength
polyesters) and copolymer combinations and mixtures thereof.
[0119] With regard to the present invention, moreover, in relation
to the material of the soft-ballistic section 4, at least one
ultrahigh-molecular weight polyolefin, especially at least one
ultrahigh-molecular weight polyethylene (Ultra High Molecular
Weight Polyolefin (UHMW-PO)), is used, especially in the form of a
yarn or a thread or a filament, more preferably in the form of a
yarn, to form a two-dimensional textile structure. In this
connection, the applicant has found, in a completely surprising
manner, that the use of such a specific material is particularly
suitable for formation of the soft-ballistic section 4 and has
significant advantages over the materials envisaged in the prior
art, for example based on aramids. Thus, the ultrahigh-molecular
weight polyethylene used in accordance with the invention to form
the soft-ballistic section 4 in the form of yarns or threads or
filaments has a very high tensile strength and high ductility, high
fracture or bending resistance and a very high modulus of
elasticity. Moreover, UHMW-PE is moisture- and UV-resistant, which
likewise leads to the materials used in accordance with the
invention having a high wash resistance, associated with a high
stability or sustainability of the ballistic protective function.
Moreover, the materials based on UHMW-PE used are physiologically
safe and skin-friendly, such that no skin irritation is caused on
wearing of the protective apparel item 8 of the invention.
Moreover, the material used has very good chemical stability and
excellent bacterial stability.
[0120] In addition, it may be the case in accordance with the
invention that the soft-ballistic section 4 is in the form of a
film.
[0121] With regard to the protective material 1 of the invention,
moreover, it is preferable in accordance with the invention when
the hard-ballistic section 2 and the soft-ballistic section 4 form
a composite material. In this connection, it may be the case in
accordance with the invention that the protective material 1 has
multiple hard-ballistic sections 2 and soft-ballistic sections 4
preferably arranged one on top of another in alternation,
preferably to form a multilayer composite material. For this
purpose, reference may be made especially to the embodiment of the
protective material 1 of the invention illustrated in FIG. 1B.
[0122] The formation of the protective material 1 in the form of a
multilayer composite material composed of hard-ballistic sections 2
and soft-ballistic sections 4 arranged one on top of another in
alternation is in principle associated with the advantage that the
projectile energy or kinetic energy introduced by the active body
is both distributed particularly effectively across the thickness
of the protective material 1 via the hard-ballistic section 2 and
absorbed by the soft-ballistic section 4. Depending on the number
of hard-ballistic sections 2 and soft-ballistic sections 4 arranged
one on top of another in alternation, it is thus possible to
achieve a successive or continuous increase in the ballistic
protective function against reinforcement-penetrating and/or
armor-piercing active bodies, combined with a simultaneous
improvement in shock absorption or reduction in the blunt trauma
passed on to the person affected.
[0123] According to the invention, the protective material 1 may
thus preferably have multiple soft-ballistic sections (5), where
these may be identical or different from one another.
[0124] Furthermore, it may be the case in accordance with the
invention that the protective material 1 also has at least one
covering section 5, preferably in the form of a two-dimensional
textile material, and/or in that the protective material 1, in
addition to the hard-ballistic section 2 and optionally a
soft-ballistic section 4, has at least one covering section 5,
preferably in the form of a two-dimensional textile material. The
covering section 5 may have a layered construction, especially with
two opposite sides. More particularly, both the covering section 5
and the hard-ballistic section 2 are each in a layered
construction, especially each with two opposite sides, especially
wherein the covering section 5 is arranged within the protective
material 1 such that, in the usable state (use state) and/or
wearable state, the covering section 5 is not subject to any direct
contact with ballistic active bodies and/or in that the
hard-ballistic section 2 is subject to direct contact with
ballistic active bodies.
[0125] More particularly, the hard-ballistic section 2 preferably
forms a composite material together with the covering section 5 and
optionally a soft-ballistic section 4.
[0126] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, it is
preferable in accordance with the invention that the protective
material 1 has two covering sections 5 arranged on opposite sides
of the protective material 1.
[0127] In this connection, the sections 2, 4 and 5 arranged one on
top of another in layers may be bonded loosely one on top of
another and/or detachably to one another. According to the
invention, however, it is preferable when the covering section 5 is
bonded, especially permanently bonded, to the rest of the
protective material 1, especially to the sections 2, 4 adjoining
the covering section 5, preferably by bonding, stapling, stitching
or the like.
[0128] In the context of the present invention, it has been found
to be advantageous when the covering section 5 is in fire-resistant
and/or flame-resistant form.
[0129] In addition, it may be advantageous in accordance with the
invention when the covering section 5 has antimicrobial or
antibacterial properties and/or corresponding camouflage
properties, in which case the materials in question can likewise
have high hydrophilicity for improvement of the transportation of
liquid away, which further improves wearer comfort.
[0130] The covering section 5 may include at least one material,
especially in the form of a yarn, a thread and/or a filament, from
the group of natural substances and synthetic substances,
preferably from the group of cotton; wool; linen; polyesters;
polyolefins; polyvinyl chloride; polyvinylidene chloride; acetate;
triacetate; polyacrylic; polyamide; polyvinyl alcohol;
polyurethane; polyvinyl esters and mixtures thereof.
[0131] In this connection, the covering material 5 may function to
some degree as outer material, in which case special properties can
be provided in this regard, such as the above-cited fire-resistant
or flame-resistant properties. Moreover, the material can be
visually configured individually, for example in connection with
the provision of a camouflage function. The covering section 5 may
likewise have antimicrobial, especially antibacterial,
properties.
[0132] In relation to the working examples shown in FIGS. 1A and
1B, however, it is additionally possible to arrange the covering
section 5 to some degree as an outer material and/or, in the
wearable state, on a side of the protective material 1 facing the
wearer.
[0133] In this connection, it may be the case in accordance with
the invention that the covering section 5 is manufactured from a
material in the form of an ultrahigh-molecular weight polyethylene
(Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyolefin (UHMW-PO)). In this
connection, reference is made additionally to the remarks with
regard to the preferred material in connection with the
soft-ballistic section 5. The use of materials based on UHMW-PE
offers the particular advantage that materials of this kind are
physiologically safe and skin-friendly, and so no skin irritation
is caused in the course of wearing the protective material 1 of the
invention. Moreover, the material used has very good chemical
stability and excellent bacterial stability.
[0134] More particularly, it may be appropriate in the context of
the present invention that the shaped bodies 3 of the
hard-ballistic section 2 are fixed by means of a binder applied
especially in dot form on the soft-ballistic section 4 and/or the
covering section 5.
[0135] With regard to the bonding of the shaped bodies 3 to one
another by means of the binder, it may be the case in accordance
with the invention that the binder for bonding of the shaped bodies
3 is disposed in the region of the common contact regions of the
shaped bodies 3 to one another. In an alternative embodiment,
however, it is also possible that the binder for bonding of the
shaped bodies 3 is disposed within the hollow cavities or empty
volumes formed between the shaped bodies 3 and/or at least
essentially fills them.
[0136] For formation of the protective material 1 of the invention,
it may additionally be the case that the protective material 1
additionally has at least one adsorption section 6, especially with
protective function against chemical and/or biological poisons or
warfare agents, preferably in the form of activated carbon
particles, especially in the form of granular form (granular
charcoal) or bead form (bead charcoal).
[0137] In this connection, it is preferable in the context of the
present invention when the adsorption section 6 has a layered
construction, especially with two opposite sides.
[0138] In this connection, it is especially preferable when the
adsorption section 6 and the hard-ballistic section 2 are each in a
layered construction, especially each with two opposite sides,
especially wherein the adsorption section 6 is arranged within the
protective material 1 such that, in the usable state (use state
and/or wearable state), the adsorption section 6 is not subject to
any direct contact with ballistic active bodies and/or in that
preferably exclusively the hard-ballistic section 2 is subject to
direct contact with the ballistic active bodies.
[0139] More particularly, the adsorption section 6 together with
the hard-ballistic section 2 and optionally a covering section 5
and optionally a soft-ballistic section 4 form a composite
material.
[0140] In this case, it may be the case in accordance with the
invention that the protective material 1 has multiple adsorption
sections 6, preferably for formation of a multilayer composite
material.
[0141] With regard to the bonding of the adsorption section 6 to
the rest of the protective material 1, especially to the section(s)
2, 4, 5 adjoining the adsorption section 6, it is preferable in
accordance with the invention when the adsorption section 6 is
permanently bonded to the adjoining sections 2, 4, 5, preferably by
bonding, stapling, stitching or the like.
[0142] In addition, it is preferable in the context of the present
invention when the proportion by weight of the shaped bodies 3,
based on the total weight of the protective material 1, is in the
range from 15% by weight to 98% by weight, preferably 25% by weight
to 95% by weight, more preferably 30% by weight to 90% by
weight.
[0143] With regard to the protective material 1 in general, it
should be in at least partly deformable and/or flexible and/or
extensible form, especially at least partially elastically and/or
reversibly deformable and/or flexible and/or extensible. This
permits flexible and/or individual adaptation to the geometry with
regard to an assigned region or a region to be protected,
especially body region.
[0144] With regard to the ballistic protection achievable by the
protective material 1 and/or the hard-ballistic section 2, it is
envisaged in accordance with the invention that the protective
material 1 and/or the hard-ballistic section 2 is
penetration-resistant at least up to test level 9 according to
VPAM-APR 2006 and/or will fulfill at least a ballistic protective
function of test level 9 according to VPAM-APR 2006.
[0145] Test level 9 according to VPAM-APR 2006 which is specified
in accordance with the invention relates more particularly to a
determination using 308 Winchester caliber projectiles with a full
steel jacket (FMJ), a spire point (PB) and a hard steel core (HC)
from the manufacturer FN Herstal, Belgium, and Metallwerk
Elisenhutte Nassau, Germany, of the P80 type with a projectile mass
of (9.70.+-.0.2) g, a target velocity of (820.+-.10) m/s, a twist
length of (254.+-.5)%/mm and a barrel length of (650.+-.3) mm. The
test set up according to VPAM-APR 2006 is especially conducted a
temperature of (20.+-.3.degree.) C and especially at a relative air
humidity of (65.+-.4)%. A long gun is the type of gun used.
[0146] Preferably, the protective material 1 and/or the
hard-ballistic section 2 has a limit V.sub.50, determined according
to VPAM-KNB, of at least 500 m/s, especially at least 600 m/s,
preferably at least 700 m/s, more preferably at least 800 m/s,
especially preferably at least 850 m/s, even more preferably at
least 900 m/s, and/or a ballistic limit V.sub.50, determined
according to VPAM-KNB, in the range from 500 m/s to 1000 m/s,
especially 600 m/s to 980 m/s, preferably 700 m/s to 960 m/s, more
preferably 800 m/s to 940 m/s.
[0147] The ballistic limits V.sub.50 specified in accordance with
the invention, determined according to VPAM-KNB, relate more
particularly to a determination using projectiles in the form of
FMJ (full steel jacket) with a projectile weight of (9.7.+-.0.2) g.
The ballistic limits V.sub.50 according to VPAM-APR 2006 are
especially determined a temperature of (20.+-.2.degree.) C and
especially at a relative air humidity of (65.+-.4)%.
[0148] The ballistic limit V.sub.50 relates more particularly to
the velocity (m/s) of a ballistic active body at which, using a
defined projectile and selected test material, there is a
probability of perforation caused by the projectile or penetration
of the material of 0.5 (with 1=maximum probability) or of 50%. For
further embodiments, reference may be made to the corresponding
standard from VPAM-KNB.
[0149] FIG. 2 shows a protection element 7 of the invention,
preferably ballistic protection element, especially with a
protective function against ballistic active bodies (projectile
bodies), especially against reinforcement-penetrating and/or
armor-piercing projectiles, shear bodies or penetration bodies,
preferably in the form of a ballistic protection plate, especially
a ballistic armor component, more preferably a ballistic and/or
ballistic-resistant composite armor plate.
[0150] This ballistic protection element 7 has or is at least
essentially formed from a multitude of ballistic and/or
ballistic-resistant shaped bodies 3 that are preferably at least
essentially spherical, preferably shaped armor bodies, especially
for absorbing and/or deflecting and/or distributing kinetic energy
from ballistic active bodies (projectile bodies), especially
reinforcement-penetrating and/or armor-piercing projectiles, shear
bodies or penetration bodies.
[0151] More particularly, the protection element 7 in the usable
state (use state) and/or wearable state is assigned to a region,
preferably body region, and/or covers a region, especially body
region, in the usable state (use state) and/or wearable state, as
shown in schematic form in FIG. 2.
[0152] For further details and remarks regarding the protection
element 7 of the invention, reference may be made to the remarks
above in connection with the protective material 1 of the
invention, especially the hard-ballistic section 2 and/or the
shaped bodies 3, which are correspondingly applicable in relation
to the protection element 7 of the invention.
[0153] In addition, reference may be made to the corresponding
dependent claims relating to the protection element 7.
[0154] In addition, FIG. 2 shows the protective apparel item 8 of
the invention, preferably ballistic protective outer apparel item,
especially in the form of a ballistic and/or ballistic-resistant
protective vest or jacket, preferably with a protective function
against ballistic active bodies (projectile bodies), especially
against reinforcement-penetrating and/or armor-piercing
projectiles, shear bodies or penetration bodies. This protective
apparel item 8 has been manufactured using at least one protective
material 1 and/or at least one protection element 7, or comprises
at least one protective material 1 and/or at least one protection
element 7.
[0155] For further details and remarks regarding the protection
element 7 and/or protective material 1 of the invention, reference
may be made to the remarks above in connection with the protective
material 1 and/or protection element 7 of the invention, especially
the hard-ballistic section 2 and/or the shaped bodies 3, which are
correspondingly applicable in relation to the protection element 7
and/or protective material 1 of the invention.
[0156] In addition, reference may be made to the corresponding
dependent claims relating to the protection element 7 and/or
protective material 1.
[0157] In a preferred embodiment, it may additionally be the case
that multiple protection elements 7 are independently bonded to the
protective apparel item 8 in a detachable or removable or
dissociatable manner. In this connection, the protection elements 7
may independently be mountable on or introduceable into
accommodating devices 9, especially accommodating pockets, of the
protective apparel item 8. In this connection, the securing of the
protection elements 7 on the protective apparel item 8 can be
effected, for example, by accommodation or integration into the
accommodating device 9 or by additional securing means, such as
hook-and-loop closures, zip fasteners or the like. With regard to
the accommodating devices 9, especially accommodating pockets,
these may be formed from a two-dimensional textile material,
especially in mesh form, it being possible in this regard to use
the mesh products or mesh materials known per se to those skilled
in the art.
[0158] FIG. 3 illustrates a protective apparel unit 10 in the
context of the present invention.
[0159] Preferably, the protective apparel unit 10 takes the form of
a ballistic protective apparel unit, preferably with a protective
function against ballistic active bodies (projectile bodies),
especially against reinforcement-penetrating and/or armor-piercing
projectiles, shear bodies or penetration bodies, comprising outer
apparel and/or inner apparel and optionally comprising separate
head and/or face protection, neck protection, shoulder protection,
arm protection, hand protection, trunk protection, torso
protection, genital and/or anal protection and/or leg
protection.
[0160] More particularly, the protective apparel unit 10 comprises
different protective materials 1 and/or protection elements 7
assigned to different body regions in the wearable state and/or
covering different body regions in the wearable state.
[0161] For further details and remarks regarding the protection
element 7 and/or protective material 1 of the invention, reference
may be made to the remarks above in connection with the protective
material 1 and/or protection element 7 of the invention, especially
the hard-ballistic section 2 and/or the shaped bodies 3, which are
correspondingly applicable in relation to the protection element 7
and/or protective material 1 of the invention.
[0162] In addition, reference may be made in each case to the
corresponding dependent claims relating to the protection element 7
and/or protective material 1.
[0163] On the basis of the conception of the invention, it is
possible to use the protective apparel unit 10 of the invention to
functionally supplement or modify the protective apparel item 8 of
the invention as shown in FIG. 2, especially ballistic protective
vest, in a controlled manner with regard to the ballistic
protective function.
[0164] The present invention thus specifically also relates to a
protective apparel unit 10 comprising the protective apparel item 8
of the invention, and additionally supplemented or combined with
further protective materials (for example in the form of neck
protection, shoulder protection, arm protection, trunk protection
and leg protection according to FIG. 3), each of which has been
equipped with a corresponding protective material 1 and/or
protection element 7 or which may be combined with additional
ballistic protective functions to form the protective apparel unit
10 of the invention.
[0165] According to the invention, it is preferable in this
connection when the protective apparel unit 10 includes at least
one two-dimensional textile material 11. In this connection, it may
be the case in accordance with the invention that the
two-dimensional textile material 11 together with the protection
elements 7 and/or protective materials 1 forms an especially
single-ply or single-layer (main area) of the protective apparel
unit 10. It may likewise be the case that the two-dimensional
textile material 11 is bonded, especially stitched, to the
protection elements 7 and/or protective materials 1, especially at
the edge in each case, preferably with an edge overlap. In a
corresponding manner, individual elements of the two-dimensional
material 11 may also be bonded to one another.
[0166] The two-dimensional material 11 may thus preferably be
arranged in a common plane together with the respective protection
elements 7, or forms a continuous area with the corresponding
protection elements 7. In this connection, the protection elements
7, independently of one another, and the two-dimensional material
11 are bonded to one another especially in sections, for example by
means of stitching, especially based on flat seams.
[0167] In this connection, the two-dimensional material 11 may
especially be arranged in the protective apparel unit 10 according
to the invention in such a way that physiologically less relevant
sections or regions of the body, or those that have a lower risk of
injury, are covered by the two-dimensional material 11 in the
wearable state. For example, in the wearable state, the body
regions or sections covered by the further two-dimensional material
11 may be those for which there is already (corresponding)
protection by external protection devices, such as the protective
apparel item 8 shown in FIG. 2, especially ballistic protective
vest, such that, in accordance with the invention, supplementary
protection can be achieved in relation to already existing
protection systems by specific arrangement of protection elements 7
on the one hand and the at least further two-dimensional textile
material 11 on the other hand.
[0168] The use of the two-dimensional textile material 11 can
firstly achieve wearer comfort, especially caused by high air
permeability of the underlying material, and/or a further
improvement in the fit of the protective apparel unit 10 of the
invention, especially caused by the formation of elastic properties
in relation to the further two-dimensional textile material 11. For
example, the two-dimensional textile material 11 within the
protective apparel unit 10, in the case of an under- or overshirt,
may also be arranged in the region of the reverse side of the arms,
or, in the case of a pair of undertrousers, in the region of the
outside of the upper or lower leg and in the region of the outside
of the knee. Especially in the case that the two-dimensional
textile material 11 is in elastic or reversibly extensible form, it
is possible thereby to achieve fitting to the body, especially
close alignment of the protective apparel unit 10 in the wearable
state.
[0169] Moreover, the two-dimensional textile material 11 should be
elastically or reversibly extensible. According to the invention,
it may be the case for this purpose that the two-dimensional
textile material 11 has at least one elastic and/or reversibly
extensible yarn or a corresponding fiber and/or at least one
elastic and/or reversibly extensible thread or filament, especially
based on a synthetic polymer material.
[0170] The present invention further relates--in a further aspect
of the invention--also to the use of a protective material 1 or
protection element 7, each as described above, for production of
all kinds of protective apparel, preferably with a protective
function against ballistic active bodies (projectile bodies),
especially against reinforcement-penetrating and/or armor-piercing
projectiles, shear bodies or penetration bodies, especially in a
form fulfilling ballistics resistance at least according to test
level 9 of the General Basis for Ballistic Material, Construction
and Product Tests issued by the Association of Test Laboratories
for Bullet Resistant Materials and Constructions (VPAM-APR 2006).
For further details relating to this aspect of the invention, for
avoidance of unnecessary repetition, reference may be made to the
above remarks relating to the other aspects of the invention, which
are correspondingly applicable to this aspect of the invention.
[0171] The present invention additionally relates--in yet a further
aspect of the invention--also to the use of at least one protective
material 1 or protection element 7, each as described above, for
endowing apparel with a protective function against ballistic
active bodies (projectile bodies), especially against
reinforcement-penetrating and/or armor-piercing projectiles, shear
bodies or penetration bodies, especially wherein the at least one
protective material 1 and/or protection element 7 in the usable
state (use state) and/or wearable state is assigned to a region to
be protected, especially body region, preferably extends over a
region, preferably body region, and/or at least partly covers a
region, especially body region. For further details relating to
this aspect of the invention, for avoidance of unnecessary
repetition, reference may be made to the above remarks relating to
the other aspects of the invention, which are correspondingly
applicable to this aspect of the invention.
[0172] The present invention additionally relates--in yet a further
aspect of the invention--to the use of at least one protective
material 1 and/or at least one protection element 7 (preferably a
ballistic protection element in plate form, especially ballistic
armor component, more preferably a ballistic and/or
ballistic-resistant composite armor plate), each as described
above, for manufacture of all kinds of vehicles, especially cars,
trucks, utility vehicles, land vehicles or the like, preferably
with a protective function against ballistic active bodies
(projectile bodies), especially against reinforcement-penetrating
and/or armor-piercing projectiles, shear bodies or penetration
bodies. For further details relating to this aspect of the
invention, for avoidance of unnecessary repetition, reference may
be made to the above remarks relating to the other aspects of the
invention, which are correspondingly applicable to this aspect of
the invention.
[0173] The present invention further relates--in yet a further
aspect of the invention--also to the use of at least one protective
material 1 and/or at least one protection element 7 (preferably a
ballistic protection element in plate form, especially ballistic
armor component, more preferably a ballistic and/or
ballistic-resistant composite armor plate), each as described
above, for endowing all kinds of vehicles, especially cars, trucks,
utility vehicles, land vehicles or the like, with a protective
function against ballistic active bodies (projectile bodies),
especially against reinforcement-penetrating and/or armor-piercing
projectiles, shear bodies or penetration bodies. For further
details relating to this aspect of the invention, for avoidance of
unnecessary repetition, reference may be made to the above remarks
relating to the other aspects of the invention, which are
correspondingly applicable to this aspect of the invention.
[0174] The present invention additionally relates--in yet a further
aspect of the invention--also to the use of at least one protective
material 1 and/or at least one protection element 7 (preferably a
ballistic protection element in plate form, especially ballistic
armor component, more preferably a ballistic and/or
ballistic-resistant composite armor plate), each as described
above, for manufacture of all kinds of objects or buildings,
preferably with a protective function against ballistic active
bodies (projectile bodies), especially against
reinforcement-penetrating and/or armor-piercing projectiles, shear
bodies or penetration bodies. For further details relating to this
aspect of the invention, for avoidance of unnecessary repetition,
reference may be made to the above remarks relating to the other
aspects of the invention, which are correspondingly applicable to
this aspect of the invention.
[0175] The present invention further relates--in yet a further
aspect of the invention--likewise to the use of at least one
protective material 1 and/or at least one protection element 7
(preferably a ballistic protection element in plate form,
especially ballistic armor component, more preferably a ballistic
and/or ballistic-resistant composite armor plate), each as
described above, for endowing all kinds of objects or buildings
with a protective function against ballistic active bodies
(projectile bodies), especially against reinforcement-penetrating
and/or armor-piercing projectiles, shear bodies or penetration
bodies. For further details relating to this aspect of the
invention, for avoidance of unnecessary repetition, reference may
be made to the above remarks relating to the other aspects of the
invention, which are correspondingly applicable to this aspect of
the invention.
[0176] The present invention additionally relates--in yet a further
aspect of the invention--also to all kinds of vehicles, especially
cars, trucks, utility vehicles, land vehicles or the like,
preferably with a protective function against ballistic active
bodies (projectile bodies), especially against
reinforcement-penetrating and/or armor-piercing projectiles, shear
bodies or penetration bodies, wherein the vehicles have been
manufactured using at least one protective material 1 as described
above and/or at least one protection element 7 as described above
(preferably a ballistic protection element in plate form,
especially ballistic armor component, more preferably a ballistic
and/or ballistic-resistant composite armor plate), or wherein the
vehicles include at least one protective material 1 as described
above and/or at least one protection element 7 as described above
(preferably a ballistic protection element in plate form,
especially ballistic armor component, more preferably a ballistic
and/or ballistic-resistant composite armor plate). For further
details relating to this aspect of the invention, for avoidance of
unnecessary repetition, reference may be made to the above remarks
relating to the other aspects of the invention, which are
correspondingly applicable to this aspect of the invention.
[0177] The present invention further relates--in yet a further
aspect of the invention--to all kinds of objects or buildings,
preferably with a protective function against ballistic active
bodies (projectile bodies), especially against
reinforcement-penetrating and/or armor-piercing projectiles, shear
bodies or penetration bodies, wherein the objects or buildings have
been manufactured using at least one protective material 1 as
described above and/or at least one protection element 7 as
described above (preferably a ballistic protection element in plate
form, especially ballistic armor component, more preferably a
ballistic and/or ballistic-resistant composite armor plate), or
wherein the objects or buildings include at least one protective
material 1 as described above and/or at least one protection
element 7 as described above (preferably a ballistic protection
element in plate form, especially ballistic armor component, more
preferably a ballistic and/or ballistic-resistant composite armor
plate). For further details relating to this aspect of the
invention, for avoidance of unnecessary repetition, reference may
be made to the above remarks relating to the other aspects of the
invention, which are correspondingly applicable to this aspect of
the invention.
[0178] The present invention finally relates--in yet a further
aspect of the invention--also to a method of providing protection,
preferably of personnel, against ballistic active bodies
(projectile bodies), especially against reinforcement-penetrating
and/or armor-piercing projectiles, shear bodies or penetration
bodies,
[0179] wherein a protective material 1 or protection element 7,
each as described above, is subjected to contact with the ballistic
active bodies (projectile bodies), especially hitting and/or
striking and/or penetration, such that the kinetic energy of the
ballistic active bodies (projectile bodies) is absorbed and/or
deflected and/or distributed by means of the multitude of ballistic
and/or ballistic-resistant shaped bodies 3.
[0180] For further details relating to this aspect of the invention
(i.e. the method of the invention), for avoidance of unnecessary
repetition, reference may be made to the above remarks relating to
the other aspects of the invention, which are correspondingly
applicable to this aspect of the invention.
[0181] Further configurations, alterations, variations,
modifications, special features and advantages of the present
invention will be immediately apparent and achievable for the
person skilled in the art on reading the description, without
leaving the scope of the present invention.
[0182] The present invention is illustrated by the working examples
which follow, but these are not intended to restrict the present
invention in any way.
WORKING EXAMPLES
1. Production of the Protective Material of the Invention
[0183] (i) For production of a protective material in plate form
having a length of 310 mm, a width of 290 mm and a height of 17.6
mm, a hard-ballistic protective function is provided by first
arranging two layers of spheres consisting of respectively
spherical and ballistic-resistant shaped bodies each having a
diameter of 10 mm in a plane with maximum density and with
minimization of the empty volumes formed or enclosed between the
shaped bodies, and cohesively bonding them to one another.
Subsequently, the coherent flat layers of spheres are stacked with
maximum density one on top of another and with minimization of the
empty volumes formed between the layers of shaped bodies, and
likewise cohesively bonded to one another. The cohesive bonding of
the spherical shaped bodies to one another is implemented by a
reactive epoxy resin. The spherical shaped bodies have been
manufactured at least essentially from a ceramic material based on
aluminum oxide. [0184] (ii) Furthermore, in addition to the
hard-ballistic protective function, the provision of a
soft-ballistic (splinter) protection function is envisaged, which
consists of textile fiber filaments, especially based on
ultrahigh-molecular weight polyolefins, and these are processed to
give a loop-drawn knit or loop-formed knit. Preferably, the
hard-ballistic section 2 has been inserted into the soft-ballistic
section 5, such that the soft-ballistic section 5 in the usable
state forms a sheath around the hard-ballistic section 2. [0185]
(iii) The result is thus a protective material 1 of the invention
with a hard-ballistic protective function based on the densest
possible relative arrangement of spherical shaped bodies and an
additional soft-ballistic (splinter) protective function based on a
two-dimensional textile material.
2. Production of the Protection Element of the Invention
[0186] For details and remarks relating to the manufacture of the
protection element in the form of a two-layer composite armor
plate, reference may be made to the remarks in point 1. (i) in
connection with the manufacture of the protective material of the
invention. Consequently, the protection element differs from the
protective material merely in that no additional soft-ballistic
protective function is provided in the protection element, by
contrast with the protective material.
3. Testing of the Ballistics Resistance of the Protective
Material
[0187] (i) Definition and Test Conditions: [0188] The ballistics
resistance of the protective material and of the protection element
is tested by conducting a ballistic test according to test level 9
as per the General Basis for Ballistic Material, Construction and
Product Tests, published by the Association of Test Laboratories
for Bullet Resistant Materials and Constructions (VPAM-APR 2006).
[0189] The term "penetration resistance" is understood to mean the
resistance that a material or a construction offers to the
penetration of a projectile under defined conditions. [0190] In
this context, a material or a construction is penetration-resistant
when it offers a defined resistance against attacks by particular
types of guns and munitions. [0191] The term "test level" refers to
a classification of a resistance against a particular attack
potential [0192] If the material fulfills the criterion of
penetration resistance according to test level 9, it is suitable in
principle for modification or manufacture of protective vests of
the SK4 protection class and thus offers protection from long gun
munitions with a full jacket and hard core. [0193] The procedure
for the ballistic testing is according to the test guideline
"Bullet Resistant Plate Materials" issued by the Association of
Test Laboratories for Bullet Resistant Materials and Constructions
(VPAM-PM 2007). [0194] For testing with standardized munition types
according to test level 9, a long gun of 308 Winchester caliber
with a twist length of (254 mm.+-.5)% and a barrel length of 650 mm
is used. [0195] The munition type used is a full steel jacket with
spire point and hard steel core with a weight of (9.7.+-.0.2) g of
the P80 type from the manufacturer FN Herstal, Belgium or
Metallwerk Elisenhutte Nassau, Germany. [0196] The shooting
distance is (10.+-.0.5) m at a shooting velocity of at least
820.+-.10 m/s. [0197] The ballistic test was conducted at a room
temperature of 21.degree. C. and a relative air humidity of 59%.
[0198] A material to be tested meets the ballistic requirements
according to test level 9 when the material is
penetration-resistant under the above-defined test conditions.
[0199] (ii) Test Results: [0200] The results of the ballistic
testing based on the test conditions specified above under point 3.
(i) for the protective material of the invention and the protection
element of the invention are summarized below:
TABLE-US-00001 [0200] Velocity Energy V(7.50) E(7.50) Pene- Angle
No. [m/s] [J] tration [degrees] Comment 1 835 3382 no 90.0 Stopped
in hard protective material 2 826 3309 no 90.0 Stopped in hard
protective material 3 821 3269 no 90.0 Stopped in hard protective
material
[0201] The results show that the protective material of the
invention, in all three test runs, is penetration-resistant against
a shooting velocity of 820 m/s and hence meets the demands of test
level 9 in relation to VPAM-APR 2006. [0202] The provision of a
hard-ballistic protection function by the multitude of separate
shaped bodies at least essentially in spherical form can thus
achieve a significant reduction in weight coupled with penetration
resistance at least according to test level 9 (VPAM-APR 2006).
[0203] Overall, the above remarks thus show that the protective
material of the invention has distinctly improved properties
compared to the prior art with regard to wearer comfort, especially
as a result of a significant reduction in wearing weight. [0204]
For details and remarks in relation to the protection element of
the invention, reference may be made to the above remarks in
connection with the protective material of the invention.
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